Mercedes Mullins
There is some debate over whether galvanized pipes can be used for diesel fuel. Some sources claim that diesel may melt the zinc coating in galvanized pipes, causing issues in the tractor's fuel system. Others argue that diesel is simply a light oil and is not corrosive, so it should not pose a problem. However, it is generally recommended to use black iron piping for fuel applications, as there may be a chemical reaction between diesel and zinc that could lead to corrosion and other issues.
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What You'll Learn
Diesel and zinc don't mix
The incompatibility between diesel and zinc is well-documented, with several sources advising against the use of galvanized pipes and fittings for diesel fuel. The zinc in the galvanized coating can react with the diesel and be held in suspension until it is deposited on downstream parts such as filters and engine components. This can lead to clogging and costly repairs.
Some people have shared their experiences using galvanized pipes with diesel, stating that they have not encountered any problems. However, the general consensus is that while a small galvanized fitting as a temporary repair may be acceptable, it is not a good choice for long-term use. The introduction of foreign particle contamination into the fuel system can cause issues with the injection system and its machined tight tolerances.
The reaction between diesel and zinc is believed to be due to the presence of sulfur in the fuel, which has been reduced in modern diesel but is still present in small amounts. This reaction can also occur with brass fittings, as brass is a copper alloy containing zinc. Engine manufacturers, such as Cat, specifically warn against the use of zinc and brass in fuel systems due to the potential for issues.
While there may be workarounds, such as using an acid solution to remove the zinc from galvanized steel, it is generally recommended to avoid using galvanized pipes and fittings with diesel fuel to prevent potential issues and ensure the cleanest possible environment for the fuel system.
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Black iron piping is recommended
Standard black iron piping is recommended for fuel applications. Although galvanized piping may be used, it may indicate possible shortcomings in your overall operation, such as the building or modifying of the vessel's systems.
Diesel fuel reacts with the zinc in galvanized pipes, causing the zinc to be deposited on downstream engine parts. This reaction is exacerbated by the presence of sulphur in the fuel, which was a larger issue before the introduction of ultra-low-sulphur diesel (ULSD). However, as some sulphur remains in ULSD, the risk of reaction is still present.
Additionally, the zinc coating on galvanized pipes will fail at some point, introducing small particles into the fuel system. These particles can cause problems in the injection system, which operates with tight tolerances.
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Zinc corrosion
Like all metals, zinc corrodes when exposed to air and moisture. However, it does not rust like most other metals. Iron, for example, reacts with water and oxygen in the atmosphere to form hydrated iron (III) oxide, commonly known as "rust". This corrosion product is brittle and flakes away easily, exposing more of the underlying metal to the atmosphere for further corrosion. Zinc, on the other hand, reacts with oxygen to form a thin oxide layer. This layer then reacts with moisture to produce zinc hydroxide, which further reacts with carbon dioxide to create zinc carbonate.
Zinc carbonate is resilient, chemically stable, and firmly adheres to the metal's surface. It acts as a protective barrier that prevents air and moisture from contacting the underlying substrate and prevents further corrosion and deterioration. While zinc carbonate has protective properties, zinc is a reactive metal and will slowly corrode over time. The rate of corrosion is influenced by the presence of pollutants, with sulfur-type pollutants increasing the corrosion rate by up to four times in coastal environments.
Zinc-rich coatings are commonly used in hot-dip or cold galvanizing processes to prevent corrosion. Hot-dip galvanizing involves immersing steel in a bath of molten zinc, resulting in successive layers enriched with zinc until the outer layer is pure zinc. Cold galvanizing involves applying zinc paint by brushing or spraying zinc dust/oxide mixed with a binder. Zinc-bearing paints can be used as primer or finish coatings and provide the easiest repairs but offer the least long-term corrosion protection.
Other zinc coating processes include electrogalvanizing and zinc plating. Electrogalvanizing typically produces a thinner coating with less corrosion protection, while zinc plating can be applied by electrodeposition to provide additional corrosion protection once the outer zinc layer has been corroded away. The thickness of the zinc coating is directly related to its longevity, with thinner coatings corroding first.
When zinc is used in combination with other metals, galvanic corrosion can occur. This happens when two different metals are in contact with a common electrolyte, causing accelerated corrosion in one of the metals. The severity of galvanic corrosion depends on the electrical potential difference between the metals and the environment, with saltwater applications increasing the severity. To minimize galvanic corrosion, it is recommended to maintain an anode-to-cathode surface ratio of at least 10:1 and avoid combining galvanized steel with metals far away from zinc in the galvanic series.
Regarding the use of galvanized pipes for diesel fuel, there are mixed opinions. Some sources mention that diesel may react with the zinc in galvanized pipes, causing issues in the tractor's fuel system and downstream parts such as filters and engine parts. The theory suggests that diesel dissolves the zinc, leading to deposits in injectors and other components. However, others have used galvanized pipes with diesel for years without any problems, questioning the validity of this concern. Standard black iron piping is generally recommended for fuel applications to avoid potential issues with galvanized pipes.
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Foreign particle contamination
There are several opinions on whether galvanized pipes should be used for diesel fuel. Some sources state that diesel reacts with the zinc in galvanized pipes, causing the zinc to be deposited on downstream parts such as filters and engine parts. This can lead to issues with the tractor's fuel system. This reaction is said to be due to electrolysis, which occurs when certain metals come into contact. The zinc in the galvanized pipe corrodes, creating a white crud that can accumulate in the engine or filters.
However, others claim that they have used galvanized pipes with diesel for years without any problems. They argue that diesel is a light oil and is not corrosive, so it should not react with the zinc coating. It is suggested that any issues could be due to a bad batch of galvanized pipe rather than a general problem.
One theory is that while a small amount of galvanized pipe may not cause significant issues, it is not the best choice for piping in fuel systems. Galvanization is a coating that will eventually fail, and the introduction of small foreign particles from the coating into the fuel system can cause problems with the injection system and its machined tight tolerances.
Standard black iron piping is recommended for fuel applications, as it does not have the same issues with foreign particle contamination. While some people suggest that filters would catch any contaminants before they reach the pump or injectors, it is still recommended to use the proper piping to eliminate any possible contamination.
Overall, while there may be conflicting opinions on the severity of the issue, it is generally advised to avoid using galvanized pipes for diesel fuel to prevent potential problems with the fuel system.
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The issue with sulfur
Some sources suggest that the use of galvanized pipes for diesel fuel is not recommended due to the potential reaction between the sulfur in the fuel and the zinc in the galvanizing process. This reaction can lead to the transfer of zinc to pump and injector parts, causing blockages and corrosion. The zinc oxide corrosion product has no place to go except into the engine or filters, leading to potential issues with the fuel injection system.
However, with the introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), the issue of zinc reacting with sulfur has become less prominent. ULSD contains significantly less sulfur than traditional diesel fuel, reducing the likelihood of a chemical reaction. While some sulfur remains in ULSD, it is uncertain whether this poses a significant risk to galvanized pipes.
It is worth noting that some individuals have used galvanized pipes with diesel fuel for years without encountering any problems. They attribute the issue to possible variations in pipe quality, suggesting that not all galvanized pipes will react negatively with diesel fuel. Additionally, filters can catch any zinc particles before they reach the injection system, mitigating potential issues.
Despite the mixed reports, several engine manufacturers, such as Detroit Diesel and Cat, explicitly warn against using galvanized pipes and fittings with diesel fuel. They advise against the use of zinc and brass, which is a copper alloy containing zinc. The potential consequences of a reaction between diesel and galvanized pipes include corrosion and blockages in the fuel system, leading to costly repairs.
Therefore, while the risk of a reaction between sulfur in diesel fuel and zinc in galvanized pipes has decreased with the introduction of ULSD, it is still recommended to exercise caution. The potential consequences of a reaction can be severe, and engine manufacturers continue to advise against the use of galvanized pipes and fittings for diesel fuel applications.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended to use galvanized pipes for diesel fuel as there can be a chemical reaction between the diesel and the zinc in the galvanizing, causing problems in the tractor's fuel system.
Diesel reacts with the zinc in galvanized pipes, causing the zinc to turn white and cruddy and affecting the fuel injectors.
Standard black iron piping is recommended for fuel applications. Brass or stainless steel are also alternatives for fuel components.
Using galvanized pipes for diesel fuel can cause clogging and corrosion, leading to costly repairs.
While it is not recommended, some people have shared their experiences of using galvanized pipes for diesel fuel without any problems. However, it is crucial to monitor the system for any signs of corrosion or contamination and replace the pipes with proper piping as soon as possible.
